Duo attacked man on crutches because he was "too slow" crossing the road

Stef Hall

Two thugs who viciously attacked a man on crutches as he crossed in front of their car have had their jail terms suspended.

Horrific pictures show the injuries victim Adam Matera, who is recovering from surgery on his leg after a motorbike accident, suffered at the hands of Kenneth Wallwork and Craig Fletcher.

Adam Matera

He was hobbling across the road to get to a shop with his partner Katie Wells near their home in Wesham when the violent duo, who had to slow to allow him to cross, blared their horn at them.

Driver Wallwork, 28, of Garstang Road South, Wesham, and passenger Fletcher, 24, of Butlers Meadow, Warton, got out of the car and confronted the couple, then attacked them using Mr Matera’s crutches.

Judge Sara Dodd, sitting at Preston Crown Court, suspended Wallwork’s 16-month jail sentence for two years, and Fletcher’s 21 month term for two years.

Both men were given a four-month curfew and were ordered to pay Mr Matera £350 compensation.

Adam Matera

Today Adam, 31, revealed his anger at their sentences.

The chef, who worked at the Villa in Wrea Green, said: “I’m surprised they didn’t go to prison, especially as I knew one had previous convictions.

“It sends out the wrong message about violence.

Katie, 26, added: “It was awful. It took a while for us to get over this.

“I’m angry at the men that did this but at the same time I feel sorry for them as they obviously need help.

“To do that to another human being is just awful.”

The couple, who have been together four years, say they no longer went to local pubs for fear they would bump into their attackers.

Jane Dagnall, prosecuting, said: “On October 16, last year the couple had left home to go to the local shop.

“They were taking advantage of crossing the road at a nearby traffic island when it seems a car has driven by. The occupants became upset he was taking so long to cross the road.

They pipped the horn and then got out and confronted them.

“It seems the driver was persistently shouting out: ‘What are you doing?’

“Mr Matera was trying to explain but unfortunately the offence then happened.

“It seems the passenger Fletcher, who was behind Mr Wallwork, was seen to throw punches towards Mr Matera and they landed in his face, head and shoulder area.

“He tried to defend himself by using his crutch but unfortunately a push sent him to the ground and he was struck about the body with his crutch. Miss Wells went to help but unfortunately she too became victim to an assault.”

The pair drove off but were seen by witnesses and the couple later identified them in a police ID parade.

Fletcher admitted ABH and assault while Wallwork admitted two assaults.

Lucy Wright, defending Fletcher, said: “He does show remorse at the way he was so quick to resort to violence.

Fraser Livesey, defending Wallwork, said: “He lives a few doors from the defendant but there has been no repercussions. I appreciate his history does not assist him but he had not been in trouble for seven years.”